10 Most Expensive Items Ever Sold on eBay
eBay is the wild west of online shopping, where you can snag anything from a $5 phone charger to a multi-million-dollar yacht. Yes, you read that right! Since its launch in 1995, eBay has seen buyers and sellers auction everything from quirky collectibles to jaw-dropping luxury items. Ever wondered what the most expensive things sold on eBay are?
Hold onto your hats as we take you through some of the priciest purchases ever made on the platform. Spoiler: It’s not just baseball cards!
1. Gigayacht – $168 Million
Move over, supercars—this is the real deal. In one of the most expensive eBay transactions ever, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased a gigayacht for a cool $168 million. At 400 feet long, this floating mansion comes decked out with spas, fine dining areas, gyms, and more luxury than most of us could ever dream of.
Luxury yachts have always been a status symbol, but with multiple decks, high-end finishes, and state-of-the-art amenities, this one is on another level.
2. Gulfstream II Private Jet – $4.9 Million
Next time you complain about a $100 plane ticket, think about this: Someone dropped nearly $5 million on a private jet. The Gulfstream II is designed for business elites, allowing its new owner to fly in ultimate comfort while conducting business meetings at 30,000 feet.
A Gulfstream II lets you conduct business mid-flight—no need for cramped Panera meetings.
3. Lunch with Warren Buffet – $4.5 Million
Forget fancy yachts and jets; one of the highest bids on eBay was for a lunch with Warren Buffet. Each year, Buffet auctions off a lunch date to raise money for charity. The lucky winner spent $4.5 million for some quality time with one of the world’s most famous investors. Let’s hope they ordered the filet mignon!
4. Albert Einstein's "God Letter" – $3.2 Million
If you’re a history buff, this one’s for you. In 2018, a private collector spent $3.2 million to own a handwritten letter from Albert Einstein, where the genius philosopher shares his thoughts on religion and the existence of God. A priceless piece of history, now tucked away in a private collection.
Unique historical artifacts—especially those written by legendary figures—can fetch millions.
5. Albert, Texas – $2.5 Million
Ever wanted to own a town? Apparently, someone did, paying $2.5 million for Albert, Texas, a ghost town with a population of seven. Imagine owning your own slice of the Lone Star State—complete with historical buildings and a dance hall!
6. A House With an Indestructible Bunker – $2.1 Million
For the doomsday preppers out there, this house—complete with a nuclear-resistant bunker—sold for $2.1 million. It may sound like a lot, but when the world’s falling apart, you’ll be glad to have a reinforced hideaway.
This property is built for survival with a nuclear apocalypse-proof bunker, making it the ultimate safe house.
7. Honus Wagner Baseball Card – $1.1 Million
Known as the Holy Grail of baseball cards, the Honus Wagner card from 1909 sold for $1.1 million. Only 200 were made, and it’s said that Wagner himself objected to being associated with tobacco companies, making the card exceptionally rare.
8. Allsopp’s Arctic Ale – $503,000
This isn’t just any beer—it’s an Arctic Ale brewed in 1852 for an expedition to the Arctic Circle. A bottle of Allsopp’s Arctic Ale sold for a whopping $503,000, proving once again that history and rarity make even old beer desirable.
A bottle of beer from 1852 might sound odd, but its historical significance makes it a collector’s dream.
9. The Original Hollywood Sign – $450,000
In 2005, the original 1923 Hollywood sign (minus the “Land” part) was auctioned off for $450,000. The sign had been replaced in the '70s due to wear and tear, but its legacy still shines brightly in Hollywood memorabilia.
10. Ian Usher’s Life – $309,000
Here’s a creative one: Ian Usher, a travel writer, sold his entire life on eBay, including his house, job, and possessions. The auction fetched $309,000, and Usher used the money to buy his own Caribbean island. Talk about starting fresh!
Why These Items Sold for So Much
Luxury and rarity are key drivers behind these jaw-dropping prices. Whether it’s a limited-edition baseball card, a handwritten letter by Einstein, or a gigayacht, these items have one thing in common: their scarcity makes them incredibly desirable.
When it comes to luxury goods or rare items, the best investments are often the ones with a historical or emotional value attached.
If you're feeling inspired to splurge on your own slice of eBay luxury, remember: The rarer the item, the higher the price tag. Who knows, maybe the next million-dollar auction could feature something from your wishlist!
What Was the First Item Ever Sold on eBay?
The first item ever sold on eBay was a broken laser pointer for $14.83 in 1995. Pierre Omidyar, eBay's founder, listed the item on the platform (then called AuctionWeb) to test his new site. Despite being broken, the laser pointer attracted a buyer who turned out to be a collector of broken laser pointers. This unusual sale marked the start of eBay’s journey as an online marketplace.
what is the most expensive item on eBay right now?
The most expensive item currently on eBay is a 2023 Sunseeker 95 Yacht listed for $9,499,000. This pre-owned luxury yacht offers easy financing options and same-day approval, making it one of the priciest items available for sale on the platform.